Calm down, the 'BBC theme park' isn't what you think

Don't get too excited by 'news' that the BBC is opening a theme park centred on Doctor Who and Top Gear-- at the moment, anything the attraction may feature is only speculation.

While the commercial arm of the Beeb, BBC Worldwide, has indeed signed a development agreement with London Resort Company Holdings (LCRH), the company behind the still-in-planning Paramount London Entertainment Resort, neither party has confirmed which, if any, specific properties may be appearing at the park.

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Originally reported by the Telegraph on Wednesday as showcasing the sci-fi favourite, plans are still in the very early stages. A development agreement is merely the first step towards a formal partnership between the BBC and LCRH, not that designers and builders are right this minute putting together a TARDIS rollercoaster (though that would indeed be awesome).

The actual press release from London Resort Company Holdings opens with "A landmark agreement has been struck today that

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could see the some of BBC Worldwide's biggest brands feature prominently in a new entertainment resort near London supported by leading Hollywood studio Paramount Pictures." (our emphasis).

What might happen, if the early talks go well and all parties can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement for the exploitation of the BBC's properties, is there could be some rides or interactive experiences appearing at Paramount London when it opens in 2020. If this did happen, obviously the BBC's biggest names would be candidates for development, though it's more likely to see the more fantastic be mined -- Atlantis, Merlin, and, yes, Doctor Who -- rather than

Fawlty Towers.

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David Testa, director of LRCH, said via statement that "We are delighted to bring the world's leading public service broadcaster on board for this project. The BBC has played an instrumental role in shaping the British entertainment industry for nearly a century, creating some of the most iconic and cherished characters on TV and radio.It seems only right therefore that its programmes will be present at the new London Paramount Entertainment Resort, which will combine the glamour of Hollywood with the best of British culture."

BBC Worldwide's Director of Events, Stephen Davies, added "We're always looking for opportunities to extend fans' enjoyment of their favourite shows and the idea behind this resort is a really exciting way of celebrating the very special place the BBC has in British culture," while Paramount Pictures' Mike Bartok chimed in with: "It is outstanding to be working with a globally recognised brand with such a rich, respected history. We see London Paramount as a pioneer in the delivery of an outstanding partnership entertainment experience."

So yes, in about half a decade, there might be BBC attractions alongside Star Trek and Indiana Jones, but let's not count our TARDISes before they've materialised.